By Kerry Hale

How To Create a Pet Friendly Bathroom

  • Thursday 09 June 2022
  • 5 minute read

Wondering how to wash your pets without getting muddy pawprints and fur everywhere? We’re here to help you transform your bathroom so it can cater for the whole family, including your pets! Discover the best pet-safe Mira products and the necessary safety precautions before, during and after washing your pets.

Bathing your pets

Bathing your pets is essential for maintaining their coats and keeping their skin healthy. It also prevents them from bringing dirt, parasites and unpleasant smells into your home.

Dogs usually need bathing more often than cats, unless your cat has long fur or has rolled in something they can’t clean themselves. Bathing your dog once a month is usually sufficient to maintain good hygiene, but this will depend on the breed and their environment. If you’re still unsure, consult your vet for more advice on how often to bathe your pet.

To make the experience as stress-free as possible for your pet, follow these steps:

  • Brush your pet to get rid of any matted fur or excess hair, which can clog your drains. Consider investing in a mesh drain cover to catch pet hair before it disappears down the drain.
  • Always use lukewarm water when bathing your dog or washing them in the shower. Higher temperatures can burn your dog’s skin or cause them to overheat.
  • Use a specialist pet shampoo, which is less harsh on their skin. Take care not to get any shampoo in your dog’s eyes or ears, as this can cause irritation. Ensure any shampoo is thoroughly rinsed before drying them with a towel.
  • Talk to your pet in a calm and reassuring voice throughout the process and use rewards such as praise, treats, or petting them.

Pet shower enclosures

No matter the size of your bathroom, you’ll find pet-friendly shower enclosures from Mira to fit your space. A walk-in shower is one of the easiest ways to wash your pet, as you won’t have to lift them into the bath. Wet rooms are another spacious option for both you and your pets.

Pet-friendly flooring

If your bathroom has tiled, wooden or vinyl flooring, it will be much easier to clean after washing your pets. Alternatively, non-slip flooring is a safer option for pets post-wash, minimising the risk of them slipping. Non-slip shower mats or bath mats can also improve your pets’ comfort whilst bathing them.

Detachable showerheads

The Mira Dual range offers the best showering experience for you and your pets. Wash pets gently with the detachable showerhead, avoiding the eyes and ears, then enjoy a luxurious, spa-like experience yourself with the deluge showerhead.

Mira Dual showers are available across our mixer, digital and electric ranges, so you can find the perfect design for your home.

Getting the right water temperature

Although hot showers are preferable for humans, lukewarm water is the ideal temperature for washing pets, as hot water can cause burns or skin irritation. Mira thermostatic showers are designed to maintain a consistent temperature, perfect for washing pets.

Cleaning your bathroom after washing pets

After washing your pets, it might seem like a chore to clean your entire bathroom, but it’s vital to ensure any germs, allergens or pests are eradicated from your home. Here’s how to clean your bathroom thoroughly, ready for any humans to use afterwards:

  1. Firstly, use a towel to dry the walls, floor and ceiling, as pets can shake water everywhere during bath time!
  2. Despite brushing your pet before bathing them, you’ll still notice plenty of fur, dirt and debris around the bathtub or shower enclosure. Wipe these areas with a cloth and remove excess hair from the drain.
  3. Before handling bleach or other harsh cleaning chemicals, put your pets in another room, as these products can be extremely harmful. Always wear gloves to protect your skin.
  4. Use a cloth to wipe down all the bath or shower enclosure surfaces with bleach to disinfect the area. This will ensure any bacteria, parasites, fungus or dirt your pet has brought in from outside is eliminated from your home.
  5. Wash all towels used during bath time on a hot wash (60˚ or higher) to kill germs.
  6. Vacuum and mop the bathroom floors, and wipe down other surfaces where pet hair may have settled. This is particularly important if anyone in your household has pet hair allergies.

Safety advice

Your bathroom should be as safe as possible for pets during bath time. Non-slip flooring and mats, getting the right water temperature and using specialist shampoos are a few ways to make bath time safer. However, there are plenty of other hazards in the bathroom that can harm your pets.

For example, some plants can be dangerous for pets, so always check before buying. Cat safe bathroom plants include spider plants, parlour palms, rubber plants, and most ferns. Always store toiletries and cleaning products in places your pets can’t access, like pull-out storage baskets, cupboards or wall shelving.

Looking for more tips on bathing your pets and maintaining a clean, pet-safe home? Discover the best ways to pamper your pooch.

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